June 2014

06/26/2014

It has been over a year since the report on Lyme disease in Massachusetts was issued by the Special Commission to Conduct an Investigation and Study of the Incidence and Impacts of Lyme Disease. Besides being one of the twenty-one members of this commission, I have firsthand knowledge of the disease since I am one of thousands of cases of Lyme disease in Massachusetts.

Lyme disease continues to become more prevalent in Massachusetts, yet still what is most concerning is how few people know of its steady growth. When I first contracted Lyme disease, I was completely unaware of its implications. Initially, I felt feverish and fatigued, but it was not until my face went numb and I visited my doctor that I discovered I had Lyme disease.

The number of diagnosed cases in Massachusetts has more than doubled in only four years. Today reported incidences of Lyme disease are above 50 per 100,000 persons in our state and this is only the number of cases that are diagnosed and reported.

The Commission released the report in February of last year to offer recommendations for state and local action so that Lyme outbreaks can be controlled and prevented. The major initiatives the Commission suggested included a statewide public education campaign, increased medical awareness and mandated insurance coverage.

Knowledge is the key to prevention; if educational programs were more widespread, people would know to seek treatment at the first sign. Without treatment for an extended period of time, those infected are at high risk for more serious health problems such as arthritis, meningitis and facial and limb weakness.

As we enter the tick-abundant summer months, the Special Commission’s message and work on Lyme disease is crucial. Currently before the legislature is a measure that would provide diagnostic services and long-term treatment to those diagnosed, which will be covered by all health insurance providers in the state. This bill would ensure swift and collaborative diagnoses and treatments close to home, allowing all of our citizens to receive the necessary care that they require when combating Lyme disease.

This bill is essential when it comes to ensuring that our citizenry has proper access to necessary treatment and care. Too often we find families inhibited by rising costs for treatment and refusal of care from insurance providers. Finding proper facilities for treatment is an additional hurdle families must face as many local hospitals have few outlets for assistance.

The Commission report additionally paved way for Lyme and tick education by pushing for community partnerships meant to increase Lyme disease awareness. We have seen an uptake in local promotion targeting different age-ranges, collaboration with our public schools and networking with groups working in forested areas. Some regional hospitals have been targeting schools and camps, along with other populated areas to include their new education program which teaches Lyme disease prevention through early detection of bites and possible infested areas.

The Commission Report aimed to inform citizens by leading the way in educating medical professionals, requesting refresher courses on Lyme disease, including what to look for, how to diagnose someone on the Lyme spectrum and the proper steps to take care of them.

We have also seen a surge in the surveillance of ticks throughout the state, The University of Massachusetts in Amherst has been designated by the state to create the first Tick-Borne Disease Network (TBDN) in Massachusetts. This program offers to analyze and test ticks sent in from 32 towns in Middlesex, Nantucket, and Barnstable counties for pathogens that cause Lyme or other diseases. Through its analysis of all provided ticks it offers research and statistics for the entire state, allowing all to view the online databases in order to track the growth in area of disease-carrying ticks.

Since the report was released, the Commonwealth has made important headway in battling the surge of Lyme disease. However, progress in Lyme disease education and research must be broadened if we are going to be able to tackle the increasing number of cases. More public service announcements, trainings, and information sessions on the location of possible tick infestations, how to dress when in those areas, and what to look for if you think you might have Lyme disease should become widespread. I believe that through support of these programs working to combat the rise of Lyme disease, there is hope that we can enjoy the summer weather outdoors without the fear of ticks and Lyme disease hovering over us.

Senator Richard J. Ross represents the Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex District, and serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. He is also a Wrentham resident.

06/16/2014

King Philip High School's Ryan Fess, of Plainville, is the recipient of the 2014 William S. Nichols Music Scholarship. Fess began his music career in the 4th grade playing the electric bass and the upright bass. During his four years at King Philip High School, he was in the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Symphony Band, and Chorus.

He was also a member of the MMEA Southeastern District Orchestra.
Fess will further his music education this fall at the Hartt School, which is a performing arts conservatory at the University of Hartford.

06/11/2014

King Philip Music Association is holding a yard sale this Saturday in Wrentham Center. The yard sale starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 12 pm. in the Wrentham Municipal Lot at the intersection of Route 1A and Route 140.

06/08/2014

If you ever experience a problem calling 911- IN PLAINVILLE - You can call 911 direct at 508.699.0587. Always call 911 FIRST for any Police/Fire/Medical Emergencies.

Yesterday our neighbors in Wrentham discovered an isolated problem with residents who have Comcast telephone service having trouble getting answered dialing 911. At this time State911 and Comcast are investigating in Wrentham. So far it is not a widespread issue. There have been no occurances in Plainville. Yet, we feel it important enough for you to have a backup plan in Plainville.

So, we suggest you keep the 10 digit number handy AS A BACKUP.

Always call 911 FIRST for all your Emergency calls.

911 can be called from your cellphone as well and will be answered by the State answering center.Simply give them your address and the nature of your emergency.

06/02/2014

The ongoing concern with the lack of sufficient care and timely processing of services has given way to outrage over many systemic abuses at Veterans Administration facilities. It is as troubling to me as it should be to all Americans that those who have served our country are receiving anything less than the best care we can provide.

More than 40 of our veterans have recently died while awaiting admission and care in the VA. This figure is unacceptable, as is the fact that everyday nearly 22 veterans take their own lives. It is clear our veterans are not receiving the care or services they are entitled to from our federal government. And if the VA does not route out any and all disconnection in service due to inaction or insufficient action, then our President and Congress must step up and make drastic changes in the oversight of the VA and its case management process.

More troubling are the criminal allegations that VA officials tried to cover up the tragic results of this inaction, or possible deception, on the part of oversight authorities as to the success of their programs.

To that end, I, along with 39 of my legislative colleagues will be submitting a bi-partisan and bi-cameral resolution put forth by Representative Hank Naughton (D-Clinton) that calls for the further investigation of the VA and the alleged attempts to cover-up waiting lists and backlogs. It is time for our federal government to address the disgraceful state of veteran affairs in our nation and remedy it once and for all.

My colleagues and I plan to work alongside the Massachusetts Legislative Veterans Caucus and the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Fund to see that our voices on the state level are heard on the federal level.

Some concerns needing to be addressed relate to the circumstances surrounding the recent resignations of VA Undersecretary of Health Robert Petzel and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. Recent testimony revealed allegations of poor treatment and lengthy waits for veterans seeking care, falsified documents, and reports of sizable yearly bonuses, promotions and raises being awarded to Petzel and other high ranking officials in the Department. These actions are outrageous and must be dealt with swift and severe consequences.

While Shinseki’s resignation is a step forward and a serious gesture indicating that the American people will not accept poor treatment of their veterans, it does not solve the problem. This is why my colleagues and I are calling upon the President to launch a comprehensive investigation and enact solutions.

As President George Washington, a veteran himself said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”

I believe in Washington’s wise and prophetic words of support for those who answered the call to put their own lives on hold and in harm’s way in the hope of preserving America’s posterity and its citizens’ safety and freedom. Our veterans were asked to make the ultimate sacrifice, and many did. But we must take care of those that have served and are struggling each and every day.

The Commonwealth has always prided itself on being a national leader in taking care of our veterans, so it is only fitting that we lead the charge on pressuring the Federal Government to take action. We have much work to do, but with the ever growing support of the people behind us, reforming the VA will be a reality.